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Turnbull still favoured as Liberal leader

Paul Osborne, AAP Senior Political Writer

Liberal frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull remains favoured by voters to lead the party, as Tony Abbott seeks to settle backbench concern over the budget.

The latest Essential poll that asked who was the best person to lead the Liberals gave Mr Turnbull 31 per cent to Mr Abbott's 18 per cent.

Treasurer Joe Hockey came in at six per cent, while 19 per cent of voters said "someone else".

The poll was taken following leadership speculation triggered by the communications minister's private dinner with Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer and a furore triggered by conservative columnist Andrew Bolt accusing Mr Turnbull of disloyalty.

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Mr Abbott denied Mr Turnbull, who was defeated by Mr Abbott for the leadership in late 2009 by one vote, had defied a request to co-ordinate meetings with crossbenchers through the House leaders.

"I'm not really interested in who has meals with whom. I'm interested in getting on and prosecuting the case for a very good budget," Mr Abbott said.

Voters continue to be wary of the government's budget sales pitch, with the latest Newspoll giving Labor a 54-46 two-party preferred lead over the coalition.